The Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce has revealed the finalists for its 2026 Business Excellence Awards, a program that recognizes businesses and organizations in the region for their performance, leadership, innovation and contributions to the community.
Finalists were chosen across six award categories, and winners will be announced at the Business Excellence Awards Gala on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Normandy Officers’ Mess at Garrison Petawawa.
The Flagship Awards for Overall Excellence, which highlight broad impact, leadership and long-term contribution, include Antrim Truck Stop, Bonnechere Caves, Forging Forward Counselling Services, Madameek, Mapleside Sugar Bush and The Nook Creperie.
The Business Stage & Size category, which focuses on newer and smaller businesses, features Boots and Bites Bakery, Guacamolli Mexican Food, Hot Stove, rĒCo Refillery, Salsas Sabor a México, SOPA, Valley Hair Artistry and Whitetail Golf Club.
In the Leadership & Ownership category, finalists include CI Assante Wealth Management Pembroke, Hyska’s Your Independent Grocer, Lift Acro Evolution, Milestone Scheduling & Consulting, Ottawa Valley Boxing, Solis Indago, The Kitchen Eatery and Catering Company, The Shed and Wild Grounded Retreats.
The People, Culture & Customer Experience category includes Algonquin College-Pembroke Campus, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill, Malcolm, Deavitt & Binhammer Funeral Home, Quality Inn & Suites Petawawa and Roseburg Pembroke MDF.
Finalists for Innovation, Brand & Sustainability are Algonquin College-Pembroke Campus, Milestone Scheduling & Consulting Inc., Ottawa Valley Air Paddle, Pembroke Farmers’ Market, Swoop Media and Valley Artisans’ Co-op.
Rounding out the categories, the Community & Local Impact finalists are Norlock Group, Physio in the Valley, Smitty’s Home Hardware Building Centre, Starz In Motion Dance Studio, Steven and Julie’s No Frills and Walk for Her.
The chamber said the awards are meant to recognize businesses and individuals who have shown outstanding performance, innovation and leadership within the Upper Ottawa Valley.
The Sept. 26 gala will run from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and is expected to bring together nominees, sponsors, guests and supporters to celebrate local businesses and organizations. According to the chamber, tickets remain available but in limited supply.
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